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2020 Skoda Kodiaq starts road testing

Written by Nizam Shaikh

A few days ago, we reported that the 2020 facelift model of the Skoda Kodiaq is being developed and will come with minor exterior and interior changes. The SUV is three years old now and the brand has decided to give it a mid-cycle update. The speculations are now clear as water, after spyshots of the 2020 Kodiaq emerged on the internet which show the SUV partly camouflaged, in the most important bits and where most changes are likely to be made. The SUV is also seen towing a trailer, probably testing the towing loads and capabilities of the hitch as the SUV is likely to be used for towing a camper, which is quite popular in the European and American markets. 

On the exterior, as mentioned earlier, the Skoda Kodiaq 2020 appears to get Matrix LED headlamps, 3D design LED taillights which appear to be slightly reworked so are the front and rear bumpers. The grille design is retained and either end on the front bumper get small air intakes along with the large central air dam with a mesh grille. The bonnet ridgeline and the side crease-line appears to be the same as the current Kodiaq. On the Interior, the Kodiaq is expected to be the same with only changes in the driver aids and the SUV is likely to get adaptive cruise control. 

In the engine department, the car is likely to be upgraded with a plug-in hybrid, which will be sold as an option. An updated 2.0-litre EVO diesel engine with improved fuel efficiency achieved through an efficient crank and low friction steel pistons is also likely to be seen on the 2020 model.

In India, the current Kodiaq is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI which produces 150 PS of power and 340 Nm of torque coupled to a 7-speed DSG gearbox with an all-wheel-drive. The Skoda kodiaq is available in two variants – Style and L&K (Laurin & Klement). The 1.4-litre TSI petrol motor which produces 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual with front-wheel drive and a 7-speed DSG with a front-wheel and all-wheel-drive options, available in the international market, is also expected to be brought to the Indian market with the new updated SUV.

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